NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday the league plans to appeal a ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Berman that wiped out a four-game suspension given to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in relation to Deflategate.
Goodell released a statement shortly after Berman's decision was made public which confirmed the NFL was planning to appeal in an effort to "protect the integrity of the game," as noted by Kevin Patra of NFL.com:
We are grateful to Judge Berman for hearing this matter, but respectfully disagree with today's decision. We will appeal today's ruling in order to uphold the collectively bargained responsibility to protect the integrity of the game.